GEORGE TOWN: The first batch of university students stranded at campuses in the Klang Valley since the Movement Control Order (MCO) was imposed on March 18 arrived home here, early this morning.
The students' relatives – limited to one per family – happily welcomed their loved ones when they arrived at the northeast district police headquarters beginning 4am today.
The coaches were from Universiti Malaya, Universiti Putra Malaysia and Universiti Teknologi Mara, among others.
The students were visibly elated as they were finally reunited with their families after being apart for approximately six weeks.
The students were called up one by one, accompanied by their family members, to fill up forms to finalise formalities.
Police took the opportunity to remind parents to go straight home after picking up their children.
Mohd Sultan Mohd Meera Sahib, father of Mohd Alif Fikri, burst into tears as he embraced his son.
Mohd Sultan, in his 50s, said that the family had endured sleepless nights for the past month thinking about their son.
"We were worried over his safety. The virus could reach anyone, anyone can be infected with it.
"Alhamdulillah, my beloved son has now returned (to us) safely," said the man from Air Itam.
Mohd Alif, 21, said that the authorities managed the procedure well, from the departure at his campus until his return here.
He expressed gratitude to the government for finally allowing students to return to their parents at this tough period in time.
"Everything done was systematic. We were also treated well back at campus all the while," he added.
Bukit Aman Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department (JPKK) director Datuk Zainal Abidin Kasim said that the next movement will involve a larger group of students on April 29.
He said that the operation to reunite students with their family members is expected to last until May 10.
"Our officers escorted the buses closely since they left the campus and the journey was smooth until arrival here," he said.
According to Penang police chief commissioner Datuk Sahabudin Abd Manan, 201 students returned to the state today.
A total of 40 students arrived in the northeast district, while 33 returned to the southwest.
The highest number of arrival is at Seberang Perai Utara, with 59 students. Seberang Perai Tengah and Seberang Perai Selatan received 46 and 23 students respectively.
It was reported last night that 790 university students from nine public higher institutions in the Klang Valley were en route to three northern states.
A total of 32 buses are heading to Kedah; 13 to Penang; and five to Perlis.
They are the first batch of students allowed to return home since the MCO was enforced.